Frasers Group Confirmed for Houndshill Shopping Centre

Blackpool Council and the centre’s management company, Ellandi, have announced Frasers Group, confirmed for Houndshill Shopping Centre as the new anchor tenant for the former Debenhams store.

Frasers Group Confirmed for Houndshill Shopping Centre

Frasers Group are set to refurbish the space over the coming months before opening a Frasers. The department store will become an aspirational retail destination in Blackpool. It will house an unrivalled range of beauty, fashion and home. Premium and contemporary accessories and childrenswear across a comprehensive mix of hundreds of brands.

In addition, the site will see Frasers Group open a Sports Direct store. Sports Direct is Europe’s biggest retailer of sports and fitness footwear, clothing, and equipment.

Frasers Group will also open a Flannels in the centre. The leading luxury retailer will bring a completely new experience to the shopping destination. Consumers will be able to enjoy the very best brands in luxury fashion.

Exciting Times at Houndshill Shopping Centre

Blackpool Council acquired the shopping centre in 2019. The Council is committed to maximising its impact as a catalyst for town centre regeneration. It’s a key part of its strategy to aid the town’s post-pandemic recovery.

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Construction of a second phase is well underway. It includes an IMAX and multi-screen cinema, restaurant and new Wilko store, due to open next year. When completed, the extension is expected to create more than 100 new jobs. It will attract an additional 1.2m residents and visitors to the shopping centre each year.

Cllr Lynn Williams is Leader of Blackpool Council. She said the Frasers deal is “an enormously significant moment” for the town centre.

She added: “After the closure of Debenhams in 2021, we were determined to find the right sort of replacement anchor tenant. One that would have a hugely positive impact on the Houndshill. And match our ambitions for the rejuvenation of the wider town centre. Our patience and perseverance has paid off. Frasers group has compelling national brands that will form a vital new anchor. It will cement our place as a regional shopping destination.”

Redfining Blackpool Town Centre

Mark Robinson is co-founder of Ellandi and Chair of the national High Street Task Force. He said: “We’re delighted to secure a brand-new Frasers and Flannels for Blackpool town centre. These are leading aspirational brands that will help redefine the town centre retail offer for residents and tourists.”

Work on the second phase of Houndshill is progressing well and on schedule. Steelwork is taking shape to build the structure that will feature ground-breaking IMAX with laser technology, and 12-channel sound technology.

IMAX has signed up to deliver state-of-the-art, immersive movie experiences. The new multi-screen development is to be called the Backlot Cinema. The complex will feature one of the largest IMAX screens in the country, standing at a massive 10.8m.

The Backlot Cinema includes nine screens and 850 luxury seats and will be the anchor tenant of the extension. The Backlot Diner, a new restaurant, is included in the second phase. Plus a new 22,500 sq ft Wilko home retail store.

Good News for the M&S Unit

Along with Frasers Group confirmed for Houndshill Shopping Centre, Blackpool Council has made another announcement. They have also acquired the building occupied by Marks & Spencer in Blackpool town centre. It has entrances on both Church Street and Victoria Street, just a few yards away from the Houndshill.

The Council say this is a “strategic acquisition”. The building is in a prime location , important in the ongoing revitalisation of the town centre. M&S will continue to trade from the store.